Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Performance vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max: A New King of Speed

The tech world is buzzing as the official launch of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra approaches. Scheduled for an unveiling on February 25 in San Francisco, this flagship device has recently surfaced on Geekbench, showcasing a level of performance that sets a new benchmark for the industry. The latest listings reveal that Samsung is not just keeping pace with its rivals but is actively pulling ahead in key processing metrics.

Earlier this month, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra made its initial appearance on the Geekbench platform. Those early tests were already impressive, confirming high-end chip specifications and scores that hinted at a powerhouse. At that time, the device achieved a single-core score of 3601 and a multi-core score of 10686, marking the first time a Galaxy device crossed the 10,000-point threshold.

Breaking Records: The Multi-Core Performance Leap

New data from a revisit to Geekbench shows that Samsung has optimized the software even further. The latest results show the performance benchmarks reaching 3761 for single-core and a staggering 11454 for multi-core evaluations. This represents a significant jump over previous models, which typically hovered between 9200 and 9600 points.

The most striking revelation is how these numbers stack up against the competition. When compared to Apple's flagship, the iPhone 17 Pro Max equipped with the A19 Pro chip, the Galaxy S26 Ultra holds a commanding lead of 17.6% in multi-core performance. This suggests that for heavy multitasking, video editing, and advanced gaming, Samsung's upcoming device may be the superior choice.

Samsung vs. Apple: A Tight Race in Single-Core Speed

While Samsung dominates the multi-core arena, Apple continues to hold a slight edge in single-core efficiency. The iPhone 17 Pro Max recorded a single-core score of 3894, which is approximately 3.54% higher than the S26 Ultra’s current score. However, the gap is narrowing rapidly, and the sheer power of Samsung's multi-core architecture makes it a formidable opponent in the 2026 smartphone market.

With the official launch just weeks away, enthusiasts are eager to see how these benchmarks translate into real-world usage. Samsung is expected to introduce more features that leverage this raw power, particularly in the realms of AI and mobile photography. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates on the Samsung Unpacked 2026 event.

When will the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra be officially released?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to be officially unveiled during a launch event in San Francisco on February 25, 2026.

How does the S26 Ultra compare to the iPhone 17 Pro Max in benchmarks?

The Galaxy S26 Ultra outperforms the iPhone 17 Pro Max in multi-core tests by 17.6%, though Apple still maintains a slight lead of about 3.5% in single-core performance.

What is the highest Geekbench multi-core score for the S26 Ultra?

The latest Geekbench listings show the S26 Ultra reaching a high of 11454 points in multi-core performance, the highest ever for a Samsung Galaxy device.

Has the performance improved compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra?

Yes, the S26 Ultra shows a significant increase from the previous generation, which typically scored between 9200 and 9600 in multi-core tests.

What chip is expected to power the Galaxy S26 Ultra?

While official details are pending, the benchmarks confirm a high-performance next-generation processor optimized for multi-threaded efficiency and AI tasks.

🔎 In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is shaping up to be a performance juggernaut that could redefine expectations for flagship smartphones in 2026. By securing a substantial lead in multi-core processing over its primary rival, Apple, Samsung has demonstrated its commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile technology. As we wait for the official San Francisco event, these benchmarks serve as a clear signal that the next era of mobile computing will be defined by unprecedented speed and capability.